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Despite relief appearance, Tepesch still on for Friday

NEW YORK -- The Rangers are still expecting Nick Tepesch to start on Friday against the Athletics even though he was used in relief in the 14th inning on Tuesday night. Tepesch only threw 12 pitches, but he also had a bullpen session before the game in preparation for Friday's start.

"It could change, but right now he is in line," manager Ron Washington said before Wednesday's game. "It could change if he tells us something different. We'll let him work out today and see how he feels."

Tepesch had to pitch because the Rangers had already used Scott Baker, who is their long reliever. Baker had to come in with the bases loaded and one out in the 12th inning to take over for Ryan Feierabend. Baker got Francisco Cervelli to hit a line drive at third baseman Adrian Beltre, and induced a groundout from Chase Headley.

When the Rangers went ahead in the top of the 13th on J.P. Arencibia's home run, Washington brought in closer Joakim Soria. He was the only reliever who hadn't pitched yet. But the Yankees ended up tying the game in the bottom of the 13th, so Washington had to call on Tepesch, who had been warned ahead of time that he might be needed.

Tuesday marked the fifth time in club history the Rangers have lost a lead in the 13th inning or later, and the first time since May 17, 1988. It was the sixth time in club history that the team scored one or fewer runs in 14 innings or more. The last time it happened was on April 17, 1983, in a 1-0 victory over the Red Sox in 14 innings.

The Rangers ended up using nine pitchers in Tuesday's game for the fourth time in club history. It's the first time it's happened in a month other than September, when the rosters are expanded to up to 40 players.

T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger
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